Welsh rugby legends Alun Wyn Jones and Jonathan Davies are calling out the Welsh Rugby Union’s (WRU) recent announcement to reduce professional teams from four to three by 2027. The WRU’s decision, a shift from an initial plan to cut down to two, has sparked mixed reactions from the rugby community.
The proposal suggests keeping all four regions for now but plans to cut one “as soon as possible,” potentially even next season. The aim is to eventually have three equally funded teams spread between east, west, and Cardiff. While some regions like Cardiff and Dragons are assured elite rugby will continue in their areas, the announcement has stirred concerns among Ospreys and Scarlets fans.
Jones and Davies have criticised the WRU’s apparent lack of transparency, accusing them of “spinning words” to fit their narrative. On BBC Scrum V, Davies remarked that the process pits Scarlets and Ospreys against each other, saying, “It doesn’t feel fair.” He suggested performance-based criteria should drive the decision, given the historically successful records of these two regions.
Additionally, they voiced concerns about the attractiveness of investment in this uncertain environment, with talks of a tender process for new licences and fears that this Americanised franchise approach could disregard local fan bases, particularly in the west.
Jones added that the seemingly wasted time and delayed decisions have negatively affected players and staff, suggesting clearer plans earlier on could have prevented the current turmoil.
The ongoing conversation leaves many wondering about the future landscape of Welsh rugby. Is this the end of regional uncertainty, or just the beginning? Share your thoughts below! #WelshRugby #WRU #RugbyChanges